Living out Faith

It has been freezing from last week and the freezing weather is probably going to continue for another week. Guess, probably till we fly back to Singapore for Chinese New Year. Last Friday, we had a school picnic. The whole school went to some picnic ground in Fan Ling, somewhere near to the border of China. Boy, was it freezing and on top of that, it rained as well. It was really cold and for the first time, I missed Spore's weather. Saturday came and we caught up with Stanley briefly in Tung Chung. Well, he was really cold too. Let's just say that the weather was so cold to the point that on Monday, we had enough of sleeping in cold that we went out to get an electric blanket. Finally, a warm and nice bed. Normally, I love winter. But I've realised that in HK, winter is not the same. When I was living in Gold Coast, Perth and Sydney, winter was cold but there was the sun as well. I could see the bright sunny sun and nice clear blue skies. But in HK, it's just not the ...

This is just the third week of January and already I've received news of the passing of two persons that I knew in Singapore. Wonder if there are more deaths to come this year. Yes, I'm getting a little morbid again. Well, last week, mum told me that an acquaintance that I knew from church passed on. She's actually the mother of Joanne and Joe's good friends, Jon Nair's mother. Joanne and Joe hang out with Jon and Selena quite a bit and of course Joanne and Joe spent time with the family. Apparently she passed on suddenly. It was pretty sudden that Jon and Selena had to fly back from the UK to attend to the mum's funeral. Yesterday, on msn, Babe told me that mum called in the morning to tell him that Uncle David passed on. Babe told me and for the moment I was kinda stunned. Uncle David was dad's cousin and was the son of our favourite granduncle. He was quite close to us. It was just six years ago that I attended the funeral of his older brother. Feel sad f...

As you know, I love watching television. I really love watching television. The television at home is turned on all the time. I guess this must have stemmed from childhood when my parents plonked us in front of the television to keep us occupied. I even think my strange mish mash accent of American, Australian and Singaporean came from way too much telly! Anyway, that's not the point. Our current favourite shows are Jon and Kate plus 8 and Amazing Race. Watching telly for me is not just for entertainment but I do learn heaps from just watching telly. With Jon and Kate plus 8, I watch the relationships grow between Jon and Kate and their 8 kids. 8 kids is a lot of kids, you know. I watch and learn how the parents try their best to have respect for each other and at the same time, try their best to bring up the kids. It's not easy having so many little ones. Sure, there are times that Kate seems a little neurotic but who can blame her? I would like to see the people who actually ...

We went for an adoption workshop last night. It was on telling about adoption and root tracing. Have to say that it was interesting and it did set me thinking about things in perspective and more importantly, my reality of adoption is somewhat altered to true reality. Not sure if there's such a thing as true reality. During the workshop, we had group discussions on the two topics. I guess telling the child that he or she is adopted is a lot easier than talking about root tracing. Babe and my stand, we want to tell the child as early as possible that he or she is adopted. We'd rather the truth comes from us than from a third party. We want the relationship between child and us to be based on truth and not covered lies. We were also told that it's important to let the child know of their history and whatever details that we have. But there were queries on, what if the child was truly abandoned, dumped in a rubbish bin or his or her mother was raped or a victim of incest. What...

Just got a text from Joanne that they put Peanut to sleep. Talked to Joanne 2 nights ago and she was already mentioning that Peanut was not going to make it. Called last night and she sounded bad, she was at the vet. And this morning, the text. Well, in a way, I am little sad but then again, Peanut led a long life. And it is better that he's no longer suffering. His liver and kidney weren't working. Goodbye Peanut, I'll miss you. Hopefully, mum is not crying her eyeballs out.

Peanut has been sick for a couple of days. He was already a little sick when we left Singapore. Last night, mum texted to say that Peanut was really sick. He has kidney and liver failure. For those who don't know. Peanut is one of our family dogs. You probably know it by now that I love dogs since I was brought with in a family filled with dogs. Peanut is one of my favourite dogs. When Peanut was born, I was not in Singapore. I was still studying in Australia. Think I was only in my first year at uni. That goes to show how old Peanut and I are! Peanut's mummy is Blackie. Blackie decided to walk out one day and never to return. We guess, she went off to die. Peanut was born with Billy. The first time I met Peanut and Billy was when my family picked me up from the airport and my sisters brought the puppies in a basket to the airport. They were so so cute! Tammy is Peanut's father. He died of a stroke about 6 years ago. Yes, I had and still have quite a number of dogs. About 3...

Been thinking and reflecting of the year that passed so quickly that I can't believe that a new year has arrived. Like in one of my previous posts, I wonder, what have I done, learnt and achieved? There's lots, I guess and maybe too much to blog about. One of the highlights of the year, we got Happy. And she brings happiness to our lives! Very corny, I know. Another highlight, the decision to adopt. Will keep everyone updated on that as well. Made a trip to the States to see my cousins and best friend. And most recently, renewed friendships with friends from uni that I've not seen for years. The past year was a year of trusting the Lord. Real trusting. Somewhere in the middle of the year, Babe made the decision to take a break from work as he was very unhappy with his job. Having prayed about it and thought hard over it and discussed about it, he tendered his resignation letter without having a job lined up for him. The plan was for him to do his masters, put the adoption o...

So after about 10 days in Singapore, I'm back in Hong Kong. Glad to be back. Did heaps and heaps in Singapore. This is my cousin, Zhi Wei. We attended his wedding. Lovely boy and his pretty wife. Doesn't he look handsome and his bride beautiful? We stayed in Fullerton Hotel on 28 to 31 of December. It was a nice hotel but a little out from the city. This was taken from the pool. The view is great though! We checked into Mandarin Oriental on 31st. We went swimming in the pool with my godsons, Jim and Sean. It was great catching up with them and knowing that they have grown more matured and sensible. Love them heaps! Miss them. Can't wait to see them over Chinese New Year again. Fireworks from our room. It was nice of Mandarin Oriental to give us a room with the view for the fireworks. The boys were so excited. Well, Mum and Joanne also enjoyed themselves. This is the day view from our room. Sean came into room and started yelling, look, look at the durian! Well, we had a gre...

Blessed Christmas! It's nice to be back in Singapore for Christmas. Been staying at dad and mum's for a couple of nights now and I do feel at home. Went to church yesterday and was surprised that Christine reads my blog! Thanks Christine. And it was nice that there were people yesterday at church that tried to make us feel a lot more at home. I guess, the last trip home was way too rushed and as usual, wanting to do too much in a short time, makes a trip not as enjoyable as it's meant to be. Anyway, I want to wish all my family and friends a Blessed Christmas! We're having a party tomorrow and it'll be nice to see the rest of the family. Love love Christmas! And have to add this....Babe got me a really nice present! Can't be more pleased with him! Babe, love you heaps!!!

Each year as I approach Christmas, I get into a pensive mood. I have this habit of reflecting on my year, how I've lived it, have I done my best and what have I done for the Lord. Well Christmas is so close to the end of the year that it always hits me and I get all reflective. Didn't help this year when my boss wants me to do a reflection of what I've been doing for the school. When this end of the year, I've been reminded that life is so fragile. Yati's mum has been sick since summer. When I went back in August, she was in hospital. I met Yati's at Sharon's wedding, she was still in the hospital. I gave Yati a call last week and she mentioned that her mum was getting a little better and coming out from ICU. So I thought, that's good news. On Monday, I texted Yati asking her to meet me for breakfast when I get back next week. And an hour later, Mazzy texted me to say that Yati's mum passed on. I was on the bus, a little shell shocked. This is life, ...

This weekend was extremely busy. So busy to the point that this morning when I woke up, I was so tired and had the biggest temptation to call to work and just tell them that I'm sick....Very sick.....But I didn't! I went to work! All started with Friday night. Met Tania for dinner, she was passing through Hong Kong. After dinner, had drinks in Lan Kwai Fong with Tania, Marina, and some others. The next morning, had breakfast with Marina, and then off to Toys R Us to buy toys for the kids at HOLF. After toy shopping, went to HOLF to deliver toys to the kids. After HOLF, off to shop. Shopped for clothes and presents for Christmas. Then had to meet Veron and her family for dinner. After dinner, home. The next day, church, more shopping, lunch and then coffee with Tania and then more shopping and then home for dinner with Babe. And by the time I got home, boy was I tired! But I'm glad that I'm done with all my Christmas shopping. Over and done with! And now, looking forward...

Had a lazy Sunday morning and afternoon today. Was too lazy to make it to church. Went for lunch with Babe, on the way back, got papers, read the headlines and was like gobsmacked, flabberghasted, shocked and can't describe my feelings. Well, basically, an European diplomat and his wife adopted a korean girl when they were based in Korea. Fast forward, six or seven years on, they decided that the adoption was not working out and they decided to give up the child. So they gave the child up to Hong Kong's social and welfare department. I am beyond shock! What bastards! Yes, I don't understand their circumstances but how can they do that. Apparently they decided to adopt when the wife could not have kids and after adopting, they had 2 biological kids and so, maybe they thought that it's convenient to give up the adopted one. This really pisses me off. I don't even agree with people giving up their dogs when they have kids and now, this. Completely ridiculous. Have ...

I've been thinking quite a bit about home ever since we came back from our weekend in Singapore. Sure, we had a great time but this trip that we had, it was a little different. It didn't feel as home as before. We stayed in a hotel and I guess, we do not have our physical home anymore. It's been sold. Sure, it was great, meeting up with everyone but there wasn't a home that we could call. For the first time in my life, I felt homeless in Singapore. Sure, I still had my parents' home to call it home but since I've not lived there for a couple of years, it's not really home. Even going to church, I didn't feel at home as I used to. Things changed. I remember having dinner with Kim and David and David mentioned that when a person moves away to live, his or her family and friends move on with their lives. For a couple of weeks, they may miss the person but then they move on. Therefore people like us have to make extra effort to keep the friendships going an...

Had an absolutely fabulous, wonderful, great, superb and everything nice weekend in Spore. Attended Sharon's wedding. She's a great friend. She was probably my best friend while I was working in Woodlands Primary School. Sharon, I have to say, is the opposite of me. She's calm, collected, patient, cool headed, everything that's opposite of me. When I used to work with her, she calms me down and reminds me to reflect before shooting off my mouth. She was almost my rock that pulls me back to earth! When I left Woodlands, she was the person that I missed most. When Sharon met Kenneth, I was overjoyed. I was so glad that Kenneth met someone that just as nice as her. Seriously, Sharon has no mean bone in her, don't think she'll even kill an ant! That's why, she's the opposite of me. When Sharon broke the news to me that she was getting married. I was beyond being elated! To me, come snow, hail, typhoon, cyclone or whatever, I'll make sure that I'll be...

The wonderful thing about being in HK is meeting friends from different cultures. Last night I had Thanksgiving dinner with Kim and David. It was my second Thanksgiving dinner. Had one with the Carlsons last year. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to remind myself to be thankful for the bountiful blessings that God has showered upon me. I admit that I get caught up with my life and I forget to thank God for heaps that He has provided for me. Yesterday was pretty apt as I met Michelle Pang online. I've known for a long time, almost forever. But we somewhat lost touch as we got older but at Stan's wedding, we reconnected. We started chatting and it was very encouraging to know that we're not alone in life's journey. Michelle, will pray for you and thanks for your wonderful encouragement too. Today is also our wedding anniversary. It's our 5th! Ya! Thank God that we survived this far. God has been great and good to us. Everyday, I'm thankful that I married my best f...

There's no one at work this morning except for me and another teacher. The teachers went out for a professional development class and since it's conducted in Chinese, I get to sit at my desk and blog. Not really, I've got stuff to do but I'm just procrastinating away. Anyway, I started listening to the sound track of My Best Friend's Wedding which is actually one of my favorite CDs. Then it hit me, next Sat, another of my best friend is getting married! Sharon, I love Sharon, probably one of the sweetest person on earth. Okay, people must be thinking, gee, how many best friends do you have? Let me count, I've got Babe, Eve, Lina, Stanley and Sharon. I know, best friend is meant to be one but I guess my ultimate best friend is Babe and then the rest of my best friends will follow. When I look at myself, I count myself fortunate that I've got quite a number of best friends. But at the same time, it can be hard not being near my best friends. I'm glad I ma...

Letting go has never been a forte of mine. I actually suck at letting go. I hate letting go of my clothes, bags, shoes and my material stuff. I've got loads of things at home. I hate letting go of my material stuff and it's even harder to let go of emotions. Recently, I've been pondering over a number of things. Friendships is one of them. Over the years, I've accumulated friends. I've been thinking maybe it is time to declutter my friendship wardrobe. If there's such a thing. Friendship wardrobe is like a clothes wardrobe. There's always a comfort piece of clothing that is always there for me and is my comfort when I feel fat and the moment I put on that piece of clothing, I feel great instantly. So that's liken to my comfort and favourite friend. That's probably Babe or Eve. Whenever I feel shit, they are there for me. And then there is the pretty elegant dress that I wear once in a while. When I'm fat, it points out my flaws and not accept it,...

So yesterday on CNA, Sandra Yeow and Kevin Lee won the Subaru Challenge and good for them that each gets a car. And each of them spent more than 70 hours with a hand stuck on the car. Well, good for them! Walking to work and today, something gnawed at the back of my head. So much time wasted just for a car. This was also Sandra Yeow's third attempt. I wonder if all the time is worth it. Maybe for the winner, it was worth the time. But what about the losers? Sorry, no pun intended. Would these same people who placed their hands on the cars, place hands on packets of rice or whatever to raise money for charity? Have people, including me, turn into people chasing after material stuff without looking inside? I know, I sound like a hypocrite now. Yes, I know. Sure, I'm one of these people chasing after frivolous crap in my life. I love designer bags, shoes, watches, clothes and loads more. When I moved to HK and cleared my flat, I realised how much stuff I accumulated and some of th...

Life is a transient life can be full of ups and downs or exciting if you look at it from another point of view. Everyday brings a new experience and everyday is a new day from yesterday. Gee...that sounds so cliche. Let's talk about friendships. Friendships in a transient life is very random. One can never ever know if over dinner, lunch or coffee, that friendship can be cemented and it can last. I met Eve at uni. I would probably say that it was very random that we met. So random that I don't really know how we met and the friendship cemented over lots of dinners, lunches and coffees in uni. We used to walk out of lectures when it gotten so boring. But over time, the friendship lasted and hopefully, I'll never lose her a friend. And there's Susan, that I met at grad school, didn't think that the friendship will last but it did. In Hong Kong, it's the same. But like what Marina says, sometimes we spent time getting to know the wrong people and then we realise th...

Carmen's party. Carmen's birthday is a day before mine and her party is a day after mine. And Babe actually made it to Lan Kwai Fong for Carmen's party! Which is a shocker! I was shocked myself! Mine birthday BBQ. Sorry was too busy either eating or talking to take pictures. Over the years, I've come to terms with me aging and also celebrating my birthday. I used to dread my birthday because I hated getting old and I still hate getting old! But these days, I've come to realisation that being old is not such a bad thing after all. Getting older and wiser. And another surprise for this year, Babe actually remembered to bring me out for a nice dinner. He called my current favourite restaurant for reservations but it was booked out tonight. Silly guy, didn't know that he has to book at least a day in advance for that restaurant. So we went to another restaurant. I really appreciate him bringing me out. Nice dinner. Thanks Babe. This is my other babe, Happy. Isn'...